Scholarship

LEVELLAND – The South Plains College Foundation recently announced the creation of the Helen Grappe Graf Memorial Scholarship to assist SPC students majoring in graphic arts and design communications.

The scholarship endowment has been established by the Pat Grappe and Dave Graf families in memory of Helen Grappe Graf who was a graduate of South Plains College’s design communications program.

“This new scholarship program recognizes an alumna of the college whose family has many ties to South Plains College and the Levelland community,” said Julie Gerstenberger, director of development. “We are so honored to now be able to offer a scholarship award to a student in Helen Grappe Graf’s name.”

According to Dave Graf, his late wife was a Levelland native who enjoyed a lifetime family connection to the city of Levelland. “The only time she lived away from Levelland was when she attended Western State Colorado University,” Graf said.

He said that his wife, her mother Pat Grappe and her sister Anne Capps were very involved at South Plains College over the years. The women participated in the early morning swimming classes at the Natatorium for more than 20 years.

Graf added that three generations of the Grappe and Graf families, namely Pat, Helen and their son Patrick, enrolled in graphic design classes together. Patrick later graduated from South Plains College’s sound technology program with an associate degree in 2008.

Graf said Helen was an avid volunteer for the Levelland Independent School District and she loved to quilt. Her quilting creations were highly prized by family members and friends. Helen died Oct. 26, 2010.

The scholarship program becomes the first permanent scholarship fund to support students majoring in design communications.

“We are very excited about this scholarship fund,” said Paul Davidson, assistant professor of design communication. “ We wanted to make sure the first scholarship was given to a woman because Helen and her mother Pat were among the few women we’ve had in our program.”

Kari E. Maeker, a sophomore design communication major from Lubbock, has been selected to receive the first scholarship in Helen Grappe Graf’s memory.

“Helen was such a great student who always had a smile on her face. She raised the spirits of everyone around her, and I always appreciated that about her,” said Davidson.

To make a donation to this scholarship or for more information about establishing a scholarship program at SPC, contact the Office of Development at (806) 716-2020.

South Plains College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,

disability or age in its programs and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:Vice President for Student Affairs, South Plains College1401 College Avenue, Box 5, Levelland, TX 79336, 806-894-9611